It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Hagood Mill Historic Site in Pickens, SC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Pickens, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has been good to meet with”
“I am a current client of this provider I can't rave enough about what a great”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood Anderson I greatly appreciate this location. Their dedication to healthcare and”
“I am grateful for this company, I worked for 4 years prior to changing my”
“I worked at Always Best Care for a few years and always enjoyed my time”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood, SC has a staff that works extremely well together, showing”
“Great team of Caregivers!”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood S.C. is a family owned, and women lead organization that”
“My son has been working with always best care, for a short period of time”
“Pam is amazing loving , caring and a top notch caregiver this is a great”
“Wonderful team.”
“Major shout out to the Women who work in this office !! They’re really good”
“Major shout out to the Women who work in this office !! They’re really good”
“I have been with the company for a while now. I can honestly say that”
“ABC were able to quickly organize the 24/7 care we needed to help my mother”
“When I left my old company and went to a new one being the same”
“Always best care was my very first home health job coming out of high school”
“Dear Beth and Kathi, I want to thank you for sending Tonya to me.”
“I am a current client of this provider Everyone at Always Best is always responsive and”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming”
“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the”
“Other ABC was hired to help me take care of my mother in her last few”
“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has been good to meet with what I needed ! Has helped me with baths and grooming !!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can't rave enough about what a great find it was go locate Always Best Care in Greenwood, SC. Making a transition from the independence of my parents to their increasing needs has been challenging. But with the help of ABC, they have been able to remain in the home (as they wish). I arrived the other day to see a visitor from Palliative Care that had arrived early (unannounced to my parents) and did not identify herself - when I walked in - Leslie was asking her questions to validate who she was and why she was there! Bravo! That's the kind of care I can be proud of - she was advocating for my parents like they were her own. Another day, I called my mom for her to excitedly tell me about the help Jamie provided to straighten out a room that was long overdue. My mom was so excited for me to come see! Its so rewarding to see them thrive in their own home! Thanks to all the staff at ABC - we have loved the caregivers and the staff at ABC. Kaitlyn is just a phone call away!!”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood Anderson I greatly appreciate this location. Their dedication to healthcare and attentiveness to needs is outstanding. The staff are highly professional and along with a familial atmosphere. They effectively address all concerns and maintain accessible communication for scheduling, ensuring the assignment of the appropriate caregiver to alleviate the patient's and family's burden.”
“I am grateful for this company, I worked for 4 years prior to changing my profession. I appreciate everyone and everything that they do . They are an amazing TEAM.”
“I worked at Always Best Care for a few years and always enjoyed my time as an employee. The work environment is supportive, and management is approachable and fair. Expectations are clear, and employees are treated with respect.”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood, SC has a staff that works extremely well together, showing strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration. The caregivers truly go above and beyond, providing compassionate, personalized, and outstanding care to each client. Their dedication makes a real difference, and it shows in the quality of care they provide.”
“Great team of Caregivers!”
“Always Best Care of Greenwood S.C. is a family owned, and women lead organization that is a strong testament to the community of Greenwood S.C. The owner has a strong belief system rooted in God that translates to the people she trains and employs. In business for 15 years we have clients that have been a part of ABC for 10 years in some cases due to the high standard of care we provide. Our best clients are the ones who tell their loved ones about us and because of this we have tons of happy referrals from previous and current clients. I have worked for this company for a few months now. The company is very solid. They seem to really care about and support their employees and clients. They treat the staff like they are a team as well as family. They also train their staff to be caring, responsible, observant and professional. The owner is very fair and has an open-door policy if you need to talk. She also has no problem with helping to assist with any issues that may arise. The pay is fair and competitive for this area and there is potential to move up if you are willing to put in the work.”
“My son has been working with always best care, for a short period of time but in that time frame he has received exceptional care, the staff is hardworking, caring they work with you but most importantly they do everything in there power to provide the best care for the client, im so glad they work with my family, hands down absolutely great genuine people.”
“Pam is amazing loving , caring and a top notch caregiver this is a great agency !”
“Wonderful team.”
“Major shout out to the Women who work in this office !! They’re really good at their job too !”
“Major shout out to the Women who work in this office !! They’re really good at their job too !”
“I have been with the company for a while now. I can honestly say that the staff goes above and beyond for their clients. Even working nonstop trying to cover for call outs and everything else. This is a business but it is more than just a business. You can feel the love that the staff has for the clients and how they go above and beyond for them. The clients become family here and are cared for as such.”
“ABC were able to quickly organize the 24/7 care we needed to help my mother through her final days of hospice. All of the attending staff were courteous and professional. The owner communicated clearly and we were very thankful for her attention and quick response to our situation. I would highly recommend ABC to assist with your senior care needs.”
“When I left my old company and went to a new one being the same thing I was, a caregiver, I was nervous. I wasn't treated the best or appreciated at all at the old company so I figured this one would be the same way but boy was I wrong. I work for a company that appreciates me and is willing to work with me through any situation so we are all on the same page. They respect me as their employee, a mother and just a person in general. Yesterday when I went to the office to pick up my check, I was given an award. The boss of our company chose ME as "Employee of the Month of September". Talking about feeling appreciated, I've only been working for them for 4 months. I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for choosing me and believing in me and my work. It's not always easy but it's worth it!????”
“Always best care was my very first home health job coming out of high school and it has truly been a experience for me. I did leave to explore and find my way in the world however in 2020 I gotten the opportunity to come back with open arms and I couldn't pass it up. This company works hard to help employees and clients. The owner miss Beth is a strong independent women that gets the job done and will help anyone that needs it. She has seen things in me that I hasn't been able to see in my self, and that is why this will be my forever employment. If you want to work somewhere where communication is key in this business, a business that cares about you and wants to see you move up in the world you need to come and work for this company. I am not just saying that because I work there now. I am saying this because I have a job that enjoy going to work each and everyday.”
“Dear Beth and Kathi, I want to thank you for sending Tonya to me. She is a great caregiver. She has been a lot of help since my husband of 64 years passed away.”
“I am a current client of this provider Everyone at Always Best is always responsive and so helpful. They take great care of my parents and have become part of our family. In addition to caring for my parents, they assist with meals as needed and do light housekeeping and laundry. They have reduced our stress level so much, knowing that the folks are well taken care of around the clock.”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming like part of the family" that Ms. Anita wore. She is an angel and my mom as well as family loved her! I definitely recommend your agency to people & we feel very blessed that "Ms. Anita" was part of our lives & how much she meant to us! Any patient that has her to care for them will definitely get 100% care - she is great! Thank you for being so personable, kind & caring... God bless you and your agency and thank you so much!”
“A great big thank you for the wonderful services as well as friendship & "seeming like part of the family" that Ms. Anita wore. She is an angel and my mom as well as family loved her! I definitely recommend your agency to people & we feel very blessed that "Ms. Anita" was part of our lives & how much she meant to us! Any patient that has her to care for them will definitely get 100% care - she is great! Thank you for being so personable, kind & caring... God bless you and your agency and thank you so much!”
“ABC helped me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy the Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. You could tell she loves her job. she started helping in the evenings, then on weekends. Mom's health got really bad and she was hospitalized and Trudy changed her schedule so she could stay up at the hospital all night with my Mom. I never had to worry because I knew mom was in good hands and that Trudy would te… See more”
“Other ABC was hired to help me take care of my mother in her last few weeks. Trudy mom's Caregiver was wonderful! Trudy was so gentle with mom, very compassionate and professional. Trudy first started helping mom in the evenings but as mom got worse she changed her schedule and started helping on the weekends. Anytime I needed them Trudy came to the rescue! Mom was hospitalized and I'm a single mother and needed someone to stay at the hospital with mom during the night. Trudy stayed with my mom every night at the hospital and I never had to worry because I knew mom was in the best hands and that if anything went wrong Trudy would text or call me. I definitely will recommend this company to anyone they were a blessing.”
“I’ve been a employee for 3 years I love working here”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Table Rock State Park in Pickens, SC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Porkette or visit Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Pickens, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Pickens, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Pickens, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
PICKENS, S.C. —A new program in Pickens County connects dispatchers to vulnerable community members through daily welfare check-ins.Nathan Galloway, a Communications Coordinator with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, has seen plenty in 18 years wearing the dispatcher headset."I want to give somebody what I would want if I needed help," Galloway said.After receiving multiple calls from people, Galloway decided the agency needed to put seniors, people who live alone and those with...
PICKENS, S.C. —
A new program in Pickens County connects dispatchers to vulnerable community members through daily welfare check-ins.
Nathan Galloway, a Communications Coordinator with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, has seen plenty in 18 years wearing the dispatcher headset.
"I want to give somebody what I would want if I needed help," Galloway said.
After receiving multiple calls from people, Galloway decided the agency needed to put seniors, people who live alone and those with medical needs at the forefront of public safety.
That is what Silver Shield is: more than just a phone call, but peace of mind for loved ones, a friendly conversation for neighbors and a vital resource for saving lives.
It just starts with a dial tone at 9 a.m. sharp every day.
"If we don't make contact with them after three calls, we'll send a deputy out to do an in person check on them, just to make sure that everything's okay," Galloway said.
The program is essential for densely populated, rural areas like Pickens County, where roughly 497 square miles are home to more than 139,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The statistics show 19% of the population are over the age of 65.
Avery Bearden retired his law enforcement badge for a quiet life in the county. On most days you will find him in a shady spot on his porch, playing fetch with his dog, Diesel. Following behind them is 17-year-old Sugar.
When faceto face contact becomes scarce, and mobility and connection is limited, wellbeing becomes a concern.
"Some of these places, homes don't have neighbors. Don't see anybody all day," Bearden said. "I got a neighbor down the road... moved here from Hurricane... you know... relief. I just talk to her, check in on her. Because she has no family here. You know, nothing."
For those people, a conversation every day can mean the world.
"I though this was the best idea I've heard in a long time," Bearden said.
"That could help somebody's mental well-being and give them a sense that somebody does care, because we do care," Galloway said.
The program is one of two like it in the county, according to Galloway. Although the program is designed for vulnerable adults, anyone is able to enroll.
"We don't want anybody being left out," Galloway said.
PICKENS, S.C. — Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship is defending the use of Flock license plate reader cameras in the county, saying the technology is a valuable tool for solving crimes despite concerns from some residents about privacy and data security.In a nearly five-minute video released this week, Blankenship explained why he supports the camera system and pledged to remove the devices if there is evidence they are being used to violate citizens' constitutional rights."We should not just take tools from de...
PICKENS, S.C. — Pickens County Sheriff Tommy Blankenship is defending the use of Flock license plate reader cameras in the county, saying the technology is a valuable tool for solving crimes despite concerns from some residents about privacy and data security.
In a nearly five-minute video released this week, Blankenship explained why he supports the camera system and pledged to remove the devices if there is evidence they are being used to violate citizens' constitutional rights.
"We should not just take tools from deputies and punish our victims by abolishing our Flock program because of the misuse or overuse of Flock in another jurisdiction or other states," Blankenship said. "And my pledge to you is that if at any time I am made aware of factual evidence that our federal government is misusing our cameras to infringe on the rights of innocent citizens, I'll cut them down myself and destroy them."
Blankenship said the cameras have helped law enforcement locate missing children, recover stolen vehicles and identify suspects in violent crimes. He acknowledged, however, that the technology can be misused if proper safeguards are not in place.
According to the sheriff, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office regularly monitors access to the county's Flock camera database.
Blankenship also said the county currently operates 16 Flock cameras on private roads covering approximately 466 square miles.
While defending the program, Blankenship said he supports additional oversight and regulations governing the use of automated license plate reader systems.
"I support legislation that clearly defines when systems like Flock are to be used, who can access them, how long the information can be retained, mandatory audits, transparency and reasonable limits on the number of cameras that can be placed in a single area — and real consequences for anyone who abuses that system," Blankenship said.
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. —A proposed ordinance would regulate Lake Keowee and its surrounding properties from future development.Pickens County leaders argue an overlay would preserve the body of water as a leisurely space and an asset for clean, pure drinking water.Chairman Alex Saitta said the character of the lake could be in jeopardy without standards in place."There is no land use regulations on the lakes right now. An investor, if you can get the logistics right, he could build a manu...
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. —
A proposed ordinance would regulate Lake Keowee and its surrounding properties from future development.
Pickens County leaders argue an overlay would preserve the body of water as a leisurely space and an asset for clean, pure drinking water.
Chairman Alex Saitta said the character of the lake could be in jeopardy without standards in place.
"There is no land use regulations on the lakes right now. An investor, if you can get the logistics right, he could build a manufacturing plant, an amusement park or a high-rise apartment complex right on the lake, and most don't want that right on the lake," Saitta said. "Overlays have more flexibility."
The county has existing setbacks that bar construction and disturbing plant life or natural barriers along the lakefront. We are told these development standards were established in the early 2000s, and since then, the area has remained largely undisturbed by aggressive development.
Saitta describes an overlay as a less aggressive version of zoning. Instead of splitting areas into residential, commercial or industrial, he said the lake boundary and the properties lining it would be under the overarching umbrella as residential only.
The county said it intends to preserve the natural resource.
"95 people I pitched my plan to, no new commercial, no new industrial, residential only. Four people had reservations," Saitta said. "They want to protect the view sheds. They want to protect the natural beauty. They want the water which we drink."
Some neighbors argue it would dim property values and limit how they can use their private land. John Boes said the lack of rules surrounding land use was a reason he chose to make landfall along the lake shore.
"My house wouldn't exist if that was the case. If I owned a piece of property that I bought under the current rules, and suddenly this rule comes into effect, that property is not worth anywhere near what it was. That's concerning," Boes said.
Boes and his neighbors said they wanted to see written language of the proposal, which passed through a first reading, and were denied access.
"I do respect the need to make certain this continues to be a great lake. It is a great lake. But what problem are we trying to solve? That has not yet, at least from my perspective, been clearly communicated," Boes said.
We asked if we could receive a copy or find one in the upcoming agenda and were told it would not be available. On the website, it said, "no draft language is available."
Three public input meetings were held earlier in 2026, according to the county website. There, you can also find slides explaining the overlay and how it applies to Lake Keowee.
Property owners said they are planning to turn out for a scheduled county council meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. Although the meeting is not explicitly focused on the overlay item, people are invited to speak through public comment.
Saitta said the final reading of the ordinance would not be expected until closer to the fall.
Keep up with what's happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play.
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. —The School District of Pickens County has announced the passing of Aimée Barrilleaux, a beloved teacher at Pickens Elementary School, following her journey with breast cancer.The district sent a statement saying Barrilleaux was an exceptional educator whose love for her students, passion for teaching, and remarkable strength made a lasting impact on children, families, colleagues, and the entire Pickens Elementary community.Barrilleaux was the 2022-23 Teacher of the Yea...
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. —
The School District of Pickens County has announced the passing of Aimée Barrilleaux, a beloved teacher at Pickens Elementary School, following her journey with breast cancer.
The district sent a statement saying Barrilleaux was an exceptional educator whose love for her students, passion for teaching, and remarkable strength made a lasting impact on children, families, colleagues, and the entire Pickens Elementary community.
Barrilleaux was the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year for Pickens Elementary. She was also featured in a WYFF News 4 Golden Apple in 2025.
“We are especially grateful that WYFF had the opportunity to help tell Mrs. Barrilleaux's story and recognize the difference she made in the lives of children. That recognition reflected what those who knew and loved Mrs. Barrilleaux had long understood—she was an extraordinary teacher who gave so much of herself to her students,” the statement said.
Aimée Barrilleaux
The district expressed its condolences to Mrs. Barrilleaux's family, her students, her colleagues, and the Pickens Elementary community, adding, “We are grateful for the years she devoted to the children of the School District of Pickens County and for the legacy of love, strength, and service she leaves behind.”
Pickens Elementary Principal Shannon Lawton shared her thoughts on Mrs. Barrilleaux’s impact.
“Aimee Barrilleaux was an incredible teacher and inspiration to everyone. Her passion for teaching was unmatched and she impacted our entire community. Pickens Elementary is a better school because of Aimee Barrilleaux and we will miss her dearly,” Lawton said.
Ashley Ellenburg, a parent of two former students of Barrilleaux, reflected on the teacher’s influence.
“Both of my daughters were privileged to have Aimee Barrilleaux as their 1st grade teacher. She showed them what love, compassion, strength, and resilience look like. Even while facing the unimaginable challenges of her own health and cancer diagnosis, Aimee continued to pour her heart into her students. She always showed up with love, kindness, and determination, making a lasting difference in the lives of the children she taught. Her strength in the face of adversity was an inspiration, and the compassion she showed her students will never be forgotten. We are forever grateful that our daughters had the privilege of having such a remarkable teacher and a beautiful example of strength, compassion, and grace,” Ellenburg said.
Megan Christian, another parent, shared how Barrilleaux’s lessons extended beyond the classroom.
“Some people teach lessons that stay with us long after the school day ends. Aimee has been that person—not only to her students, but to my children and my family. Her kindness, compassion, strength, and unwavering love have touched our lives in ways words can hardly express. Her impact will live on in our students, in our family,” Christian said.
Amy Ramey, who worked alongside Barrilleaux as her kindergarten assistant, spoke about her colleague’s dedication.
“It was truly an honor to work alongside Aimee as her Kindergarten Assistant. I will forever admire her strength and determination to show up for her students every day that she could, even on the days when I knew her battle with cancer was especially difficult.
Aimee loved her students deeply and fought so hard to be at school because teaching was something she truly loved. Her last day as a teacher was also our students' first day, and I will be forever grateful that she was able to do what she loved one last time. It was a beautiful reflection of the kind of teacher and person she was—selfless, devoted, and completely committed to her students. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to work beside her and share her passion,” Ramey said.
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